Dear Cathi.

You have been an inspiration to me in your generous support of other service members while your own sons were deployed. Getting to know you has been such a pleasure, and I am shocked and heartbroken over your terrible loss. I just wrote to Matthew yesterday, and though I didn't know him, I know he was a wonderful person because he was your son.  You have many friends here who would like to help in any way.  As I tell my contacts, sending you hugs and much love,

I can offer you no words of comfort because it is just a really hard thing to bear. But I did do a search online for you to see if I could find what you were looking for in your post. I couldn't find the banner you want but I did find this idea.

 "Another method is to put a smaller gold star on top of the blue star so the blue still surrounds the gold. "

 http://www.historyofquilts.com/bluestar.html

You could try writing American Gold Star mothers and see if they can offer some help..in more ways than one.

 http://www.goldstarmoms.com/

In some states you can get a gold star license plate - Missouri not being one of them.

 http://www.goldstarmoms.com/Resources/GSFLicensePlateStatus/GSFStatus.htm

I can't put into words how terrible I feel for you, your family, and those that knew your son.  My thoughts go out to you.

Cathi, I heard the news this morning.  I can't tell of the heartache I feel for you.  Many tears will be shed for this brave young Hero-a true sign of how loved and appreciated he was, is and will continue to be... and while I always trust that healing moments will come, right now just know that you're surrounding by love and prayers in your grief.

All my love and support, Kristen

Thank you all, my AS family!  We are a military family, my husband served 27 yrs, my youngest son, Matthew 6 yrs and my oldest son 2 1/2 yrs.  We all knew the risks as do all who choose to serve.  Because they choose and no longer are drafted they are real heroes and family to each other.  My son  was so proud to serve!  I have told many that my loss is no less than the mother who lost her son to an act of a drunk driver but I know my son died doing what he wanted to do.  He knew the Lord was in control of his life.  In fact he said that if he happened to die because of "friendly fire" I was not to be angry like some mothers were.  My daughter-in-law said this morning that all family members had been contacted so it was okay for me to print whatever I wanted.  Please include his fellow B Trp, 6-6 Cav family in your prayers. 

Please know that I do feel your prayers and hugs! Thank you to those with the links and ideas about the banners.  I will check into them later.

Cathi

 May God give you and your family comfort and strength as you mourn the loss of your precious son. I cannot even imagine what y'all are going through at this moment. Please know that your son is a hero whose sacrifice will always be remembered and appreciated. God bless you now and always.

I would like to add my deepest sympathies for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.  May you find some comfort in knowing others care.

Donna

So very sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are in our prayers.

Heidi

As I sit here overcome with tears, I have thought of how strong a Mom and loving family to have raised 2 men of great Honor and respect. I am so sorry for your loss.

You and your family are in my thought's and prayer's

Love, Betty

Dear BlueStarx2,

I am so sorry for your loss.  Take strength in the knowledge that you and your family are in the the thoughts and prayers of fellow supporters during this difficult time.

Respectfully a Proud American,

Sandyy  

Cathy,

As a mom of an US Army Infantry soldierl, I cannot imagine the saddness that you are feeling. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you and keep you during this time of sadness.

Angela

Words escape me as I just read your post.. 

My eyes also are water filled and my heart aches for you.

The most important things are the hardest to say, because words diminish them. 

There are no words to express how I feel for you and your family.

May God Bless and comfort you always...With My deepest Sympathy.  Jackie

My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I lost my father, a Navy pilot, when I was nine.  I know that he was proud of what he did and loved his job.

There are no adequate words...............may angels watch over all of you.

 With deepest sympathy,  Pat

As I read out loud to my son, who is home from work b/c of the flu and bad cold what you first wrote, the tears flowed.  I am so sorry for your loss.  To have raised two heros says a lot about you both as parents.  You are truely an incredible person, thinking of the young Captain's feelings.  I, too, would like to add a hug of compassion to you and yours.

Sometimes Angels are disguised as Mothers

May the Lord Bless you and your family with peace of mind and comfort you.